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The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

December 19, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

When teaching history, sometimes you have to come in sideways or use games that teach geography. I have more fun game ideas for teaching history on my history games page.

For example, gameschooling has become one of the most popular methods for teaching your child.

It doesn’t matter if you gameschool exclusively, unschool, use a packaged curriculum, online lessons, or put together unit studies.

Games that teach geography can be added to your day and teach so much through playing and enjoying time together.

The Benefits Of Using Games That Teach Geography | Review Of Scrambled States

First, you can build an entire lesson or even a full unit study around a game.

I’m sharing one of favorite games for learning geography.

Besides geography and history can go hand in hand.

Too, I’m showing you other items and activities to add to keep the lessons going as long as you want.

Everything from movies to books, a few more games, and other items helps to round out a geography or history slant or both.

What is Geography

The word geography comes from the Greek geo, which means “Earth,” and graphy, which means “writing or description.

So, geography means to learn about the Earth’s land its surface, and features including water and air.

However, geography also includes learning about the people of the area, understand landmarks, and appreciating cultural differences

Immediately, you can see a tie in between learning about the natural resources of an area and the people.

Additionally, look at some of these hands-on geography ideas.

Finally, be sure to check out my post on the 100 Best Books From All 50 States

Hands-on Geography

11 AWESOME Ways to Learn Geography (Other Than Labeling a Map)
Make a salt dough US Map or focus on one state at a time.
Homemade Compass. Simple Geography Projects Equals Huge Wow Factors
Edible Geography – Sea Levels
Homeschool Geography – DIY Lava Lamp

If you have been around for any length of time you know I am a fan of these Toobs for Safari Ltd.

This USA Landmarks and Symbols set is perfect for learning about symbolism and important places throughout the United States.

Use them as drawing inspiration, in sensory bins for younger children, as part of a diorama, or use them as game markers.

Fun History Games

Too, look at these games below which can be games that teach geography with history.

In addition, look at these fun books and resources to help U.S. geography more lively.

10 U.S. Geography Resources

If you're looking to teach U.S. geography in a hands-on way, you'll love adding one or two of these resources to your day or study.

The Scrambled States of America Game

Quick! Find a state that ends with the letter A. Now find one that borders Tennessee. Have fun learning about the United States in this madcap game of observation and quick reflexes.

The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 fact-filled maps!

Explore every state of the USA from Alabama to Wyoming with these 51 charmingly illustrated infographic maps! Includes an expansive guide to the state flags and US presidents.Discover more than 2,000 facts about the people, cities, nature and historic events that have helped make America what it is today. Ghost towns, swamp tours, the center of the universe… bacon donuts, brainy berries, salmon jerky… The French Fry King, The Mother of Oregon, The Queen of Blues… be inspired by the inventiveness, beauty and diversity of our great nation in this curious collection of fact-filled maps.

National Geographic Kids U.S. Atlas

Kids will have fun learning about each and every U.S. state in this amazing 6th edition atlas, packed with maps, stats, facts, and pictures

The U.S. History Cookbook: Delicious Recipes and Exciting Events from the Past

Who knew history could be so delicious? In The U.S. History Cookbook, you'll discover how Americans have lived and dined over the centuries. This scrumptious survey of periods and events in U.S. history mixes together a delectable batter of food timelines, kid-friendly recipes, and fun food facts.

The United States in 100 Words

How do you sum up a whole country in just 100 words? This striking book takes on the challenge! From amendment to Vegas, each of the carefully chosen 100 words has its own 100-word-long description and beautiful illustration, providing a snapshot of what the USA means to people today: its roots, its values, its culture, and customs. Basically, everything you need to know in a nut shell.

Supertoob: USA,Figure Playsets

This Toob includes figurines of the Lincoln Memorial, Hoover Dam, Liberty Bell, Alamo, Mount Rushmore, Statue of Liberty, Gateway Arch, U.S. Capital, Empire State Building, White House, as well as a flag and an eagle.

Geographic USA Scrunch Map

Easy Storage: Unfold and spread flat when you need it or scrunch it up and store away when you're done. The USA map makes a wonderful addition to your home, office, library, kid's room, classroom or playroom.

States & Capitals Flash Cards for Kids – 50 American State Cards

LEARN STATES & CAPITALS IN A FLASH: Get to know each of the 50 states! How well do you know your home state and neighbors? Perfect for all ages

50 FLASH CARDS: Includes 50 educational flash cards for studying important school subjects such as US Geography and History!

9 LEARNING GAMES: Teach and participate in 9 specially made enrichment activities: Name Games, What's the Motto, Heads Up, Region Round-up, State Trivia and more! Fun symbols

1000-piece USA Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster 50 States | Illustrated American Landmarks

Test your geography knowledge with Talking Tables beautifully illustrated 1000-piece USA 50 States Map Jigsaw Puzzle & Poster. This USA Map Puzzle features landmarks from across America! Our Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults make for Fun Indoor Activities and can be framed as Wall Art

Geography from A to Z: A Picture Glossary

Have you ever wondered what a badland is? What about a gulch?
Do you know what an isthmus is? Or a seamount? What about the difference between a plateau and a plain, or a knob and a knoll? Well look no further. This broad introduction to the fascinating world around us explores our planet’s physical features from the highest mountain peak to the deepest ocean trench. The team behind Maps & Globes proves that geography can indeed be an adventure.

As you can see combining geography and history is a natural fit.

Finally, look at how to play the scrambled states of America.

Scrambles States of America

First, The Scrambled States of America is a silly colorful game which introduces states as a game that requires observation and quick reflexes.

You collect the state cards, match them with neighbors, and more.

And you win by familiarizing yourself with the state cards you’re dealt.

Then, you try to be the quickest to respond to action cards like – capital that starts with D or a state that is south of Colorado.

It even comes with a small copy of THE Scrambled States of America Book. Fun.

While this game probably is best for middle to upper elementary. I definitely think that it is still fun for middle school kids.

It is a gentle approach to learning US Geography for anyone that needs to learn or refresh what they already know.

I don’t really have a con for this game except that older kids may feel that it is baby-ish.

However, if they can get past that it’s a great learning tool for the whole family.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

December 18, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, how to upcycle a monopoly game history turned medieval monopoly game is a fun twist to learn history. Also, look at the other history games on my page.

Have you ever looked at an old board game in your stash or maybe at a yard sale and think about upcycling it? Me too.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

So, I took an old unused monopoly game that we had and converted it into a medieval themed version with castles for properties.

Also, I added Safari Ltd Knights and fun cards with references for the time period.

Since, we are learning about the Middle Ages so for this game I decided to make it medieval themed.

However, you could take this idea and make it match any branch of history you want to include in your studies.

These super fun Safari LTD Knights and Dragons have been used for sensory bins, dioramas, block play, counters, and now game pieces.

Teaching Medieval History

Next, look at some of these medieval facts to use in your unit study.

Most of the peasants wore plain clothing which was made from heavy wool to keep them warm in cold weather. The wealthy, of course, wore nicer clothing made from fine wool, velvet, and silk.
Not many people attended school in the Middle Ages. Most peasants learned a job and survival from their parents, apprenticeship, or the guild system.
London’s population went up 500% between the 12th and 14th centuries.
Marriages were often arranged. Noble girls were often married at just 12 years old and the boys at 14.
We got our modern piggy banks from medieval people who had saving accounts termed “pygg” meaning the type of clay the jars they were kept in were made from.
The first castle in England was the Tower of London’s White Tower Castle.
The largest castle in the world is The Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

How To Upcycle A Monopoly Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

In addition, look at some hands-on activities.

Medieval Stained Glass Craft
Catapult Stem Challenge
Medieval History for Homeschool Middle School
Medieval Chemistry and Homeschool History – Fun Hands-On Activity
Free Renaissance Lapbook
Free Glass Blowing Lapbook
Da Vinci’s Edible Spine
Da Vinci’s Parachute

Also, here are some rules I want you to know about before you turn a monopoly game board into a medieval themed board.

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

First, rather than collect Boardwalk, Park Place and the other familiar properties. we are going try to collect Medieval Castles from all over Europe.

Also, try to collect some cool Medieval collections like banners and a library and see who ends up with the most spoils at the end.

I used as much of the board as possible and stuck with the same rules to make it easier to transition to a new game.

The property stickers will fit right under the colors so you can keep them and I made the matching property cards so players can keep track of the properties they own.

You can add a little color to the top of the cards with markers if you like to make it easier to spot them.

The rules are pretty much standard monopoly, including whatever house rules you would like to incorporate.

For example, house rules like whoever lands on free parking gets the money in the center, allowing players to buy property on the first trip around the board.

I have left out houses and hotels to simplify and keep with the time period and I did away with rent on the properties with the exception of when a card is drawn from chance or community chest which requires rent.

Too, grab my other fun history games to add to your learning day.

Fun History Games

Look at them below.

Now, let’s look at how to make the game.

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

You will need:

An old monopoly board
Sticker paper
Cardstock
Knight figures
paper cutter

We are reusing the board, money, and dice.

If you like you can keep the community chest and chance cards to glue your new cards to so that the backing is stronger and will be easy to identify the stack,

If not, you can just write a C for chance or CC for community chest on the back of the card.

First, we painted over the Monopoly in the center.

Later we will add some of the stickers which I included in the printables to decorate it some. Sand it a bit so the paint sticks better. If you like, you can leave the center of the board as is.

Too, each printable I created tells you whether it should be on cardstock or sticker paper.

Use them for creating the new board labels.

Cut out all of your cardstock and sticker pieces, you can use scissors but a paper slicer makes it easier.

Place all your sticker labels on the board/

The collar amounts correspond with the correct spot.

Additionally, free parking is free steed parking.

Socks is jail, go to the stocks is obviously the go to jail spot.

Besides, you can place the Medieval Collections on any of the railroad spots, as well as the two utilities.

How To Upcycle A Monoply Game to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

Setup your game board just like you would for traditional Monopoly.

And use your knights, dragons, etc. as your moveable tokens.

How To Upcycle a Game History to A Medieval Theme & Free Printables

What a fun way to learn about Medieval times.

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

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That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access my subscribers library and this freebie.

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I like to keep up to date with what is valuable to you so I can give you more printables.

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Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game

November 27, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have an Ancient Egypt diy mummification process game. You’ll love the other History Games I have on my page.

If you are studying Ancient Egypt and need a great hands-on activity to help teach your child you’ll love this mummification process game.

Yes, we made a game for that.

Games are an incredible way to learn something new.

Ancient Egypt DIY Simple and Fun Mummification Process Game

And games reinforce a topic that you are learning.

Now, I’ve bought all kinds of ready-made games.

However, creating your own game from the ground up and including your child in the process is the best way to learn.

I came up with this game that doesn’t require any special items and let’s your child be in charge of the game creation.

Creating the game will help the facts that they learn stick in their head better.

Benefits of Game Playing

Also, it will help teach your children research skills and give them a sense of pride in accomplishment.

I wanted to be sure it included more than just the history of this Ancient Egyptian ritual.

For younger children rolling and adding dice is a simple way to also incorporate math into your day.

They will learn or reinforce anatomy lessons through the anatomy drawings and labels.

I created a printable with the basic rules and values for the dice numbers rolled.

Creating the game requires reading, writing, and art skills

Before you begin use videos, resources, and books from your personal collection or borrow them from library to learn about the mummification process.

Fun Ancient Egypt Resources

This will make creating the cards much easier and give your child an understanding of the why.

Here are a few resources and activities that you might enjoy along with this diy mummification process game.

Inside Out Egyptian Mummy

These Toob Organs are a great teaching tool not only for anatomy but here in Ancient Egypt Studies. Also, they can be used for inspiration when drawing the organ cards. We have also used them in making large canopic jars as well.

There is also the Ancient Egypt Toob that can be used for art inspiration, sensory bins, dioramas, and so much more.

Let each child be responsible for creating their own set of cards for when you play

More Fun History Games Resources

Look at them below.

Depending on their age and ability level they may create the entire card on their own or may need some assistance.

They will be tickled with their own contributions to the game.

You don’t need anything other than the cards and dice but the props sure are fun to set the

How to Make a Mummification Process Game

Here is what you will need:

White cardstock
Colored cardstock
Paper slicer
Glue stick or double sided tape
Markers, colored pencils, or crayons
2 dice

First, cut white cardstock into 3 ½” x 4 ½” rectangles. You will need 9 for each player.

Then cut 9 of one colored cardstock for each child to 3 ¾ ” x 4 ¾”.

Write or instruct your child to write one of each of these phrases on the top of each of the 9 cards:

1-Wash body and remove organs
2-Remove brain through the nose
3-Place lungs in canopic jar
4-Place intestines in canopic jar
5-Place stomach in canopic jar
6-Place liver in canopic jar
7-Fill body and cover with salt for 40 days
8-Wrap body in linen bandages
9-Place body in sarcophagus

Next, encourage them to draw something to represent each of these steps.

I encourage a bit of silliness if it has something to do with what they are trying to accomplish for the step.

Use markers, crayons, colored pencils, or whatever they like to make it fun and colorful.

Here is a look at some more of the cards we created.

Glue the white completed cards to the colored cardstock to make it a bit sturdier.

Write the step numbers on the back of each card so they can easily be lined up for play face down.

Below is a printable with the rules and the assigned “value” for each dice combination.

You can choose to roll one or two dice depending on which numbers you need.

For instance, if all you are missing is a #1 you would want to roll only once die to attempt to get the number you need.

How to Get the Free Printable Rules

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Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game

November 20, 2022 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Games in the past can be a unit study or add to your history lessons. You’ll love the other history games I have too.

Do you ever wonder about people of the past spent their days?

Backgammon is one of the oldest games known right up there with chess.

It is thought to be about 5,000 years old or more and believed to have developed in Mesopotamia which is now known as Iraq.

Entertaining Games in the Past How to Make an Easy Backgammon Game

If you are going to study a period of history, one great way to do that is to study the way they lived, how they passed their days, and interacted with one another.

Also, you can do that through playing games.

It’s even better if you create your own version.

Today, I’m showing you how to make your own easy to create and store version of the game backgammon.

Games of the Past Ancient Mesopotamia

Nobody quite knows where the name actually came from.

However, historians believe that it came from Middle English: baec – back and gamen-game.

It possibly evolved from the Royal Game of Ur and is known as the game of kings.

There is a lot of historical literature and art that portrays people playing backgammon.

The boards that are very similar to today’s versions which we have developed and still play.

Next, add some historical facts.

And hands-on ideas to make studying about games in the past fun.

Facts about Ancient Mesopotamia

Mesopotamia is the ancient Greek name for the region that is the modern day area that is now Iraq and parts of Iran.
It was considered part of the cradle of civilization because so much .
Mesopotamia means 0the land between two rivers( Tigris and Euphrates).
Many theologies and political systems developed out of Mesopotamia.
Here the earliest writing system, cuneiform, was created.
The Sumerians from this area are credited with inventing the wheel.
The first law codes like the code of Hammurabi and the Code of Urukagina were created here.
Mesopotamia is located in the area that archaeologists call The Fertile Crescent, called so because of the rich soil beds from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.
There is very little of ancient Mesopotamia that still stands because they made their buildings out of sun-dried bricks that didn’t last as long.
A lot of what we do know today is found out from clay tablets that were found in the library in the city of Nineveh.

Too, I’ll list some hands-on ideas below.

In addition, you’ll love these other history game resources on my site.

Other Fun History Games Resources

Look at them below.

And look below here for hands-on activities.

DIY Backgammon Game

Here is what you will need:

Finally, look below at how to make this DIY backgammon.

File folder
2 colors or patterns of cardstock
Ruler
30 small items- blocks, buttons, coins, flat beads, etc…
2- six sided dice
Glue stick

To create the long narrow wedges (points) you want to first create a template so you only have to do the measurements once.

Then, cut cardstock down to a rectangle with the height being 5”.

This is a good length for your points on a file folder.

After measure 1” across the bottom from the left and make a small pencil mark to create your 1” width.

Next, on the top left corner mark ½” over and make a mark to create the point.

Use a ruler to draw the line from each mark at the bottom to the point at the top for the elongated triangle.

Cut your template out and use it to trace and cut 12 of each of your chosen color or patterned cardstock.

Open the file folder and glue down alternating color wedges.

Put 6 on either side of the fold. Repeat on the other side of the folder.

Allow the glue to dry completely before closing the folder.

You can use anything you have on hand for your checkers if two different colors or other identification for each player.

For example, buttons, small erasers, coins, tiny figures, checkers from another game, etc..

I found these tiny little unfinished squares and painted half (15) gold and left half unfinished.

Store them in a ziploc bag with your dice and tape to the back of your file folder if you like.

Grab several file folders and challenge your child to invent their own file folder game for today’s civilization.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

November 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I’ve rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page.

If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game.

While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life back then.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun

Of course you don’t have to be studying a specific history topic.

All of these games are great for any history lover in general and have a lot to offer for fun and game schooling.

Learn about history through strategy, trivia, combat, role playing games and more.

Start by exploring three main periods of history

The three main time periods I’ve covered in these games are

The Ancient World
Middle Ages,
and Modern History of the world.

Cool History Games

After all, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it according to George Santayana.

Besides the facts these games can help teach a period of history game play is just amazing for family bonding.

Too, family board games help your children learn other things like cooperation, strategy, memorization, and reading comprehension.

Besides being a diversion from the normal routine of your homeschool day, cool history games can motivate your kids if they find history boring.

I’ve divided up board games by time periods so that you can easily match to your unit studies.

15 World History Board Games Guaranteed to Make Learning Fun. I've rounded up some fun world history board games. Also, you’ll love grabbing more ideas for history games on my page. If you are digging deep into a study on Ancient Egypt, The Fall of Rome, or The Middle Ages the best ways to learn and have fun at the same time is with a great board game. While not all may actually teach specifics of history they are a great way to get a taste and understanding of life then. #worldhistoryboardgames

More Fun History Games

I know you’ll find something you’ll love in one of these time periods.

Ancient World History Board Games

This period covers the oldest records of human history from 3000 BCE – 500 CE. It ends with the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Han Dynasty in China, and the Gupta Empire in India. It teaches us about origins, cultures, traditions, and beginning civilizations. Here is where we
learn of Egyptian Kings and Queens, the Trojan War, and Genghis Khan. It begins rising out of Mesopotamia and Egypt and ends with the fall of the Roman Empire

Imhotep Builder of Egypt | Family Board Game

Imhotep is the legendary architect of the Egyptian monuments like the Step Pyramid, in this game you play as him working to build in five different construction sites. This game is a great way to introduce or refresh some Egyptian vocabulary as well as just enjoy the theme.

Ancient Egypt Press Go Fish Cards

There is always a time and a place for a fun game of Go Fish, but these cards can be used for more than that.

Pandemic Fall of Rome Board Game

There are several versions of this game but in this one you travel back in time and try to stop the fall of Rome. This is a cooperative game for 1-5 players and is a great family game.

Age of Civilization Strategy Card Game

Get ready for war in this card game that can be played in as little as 30 minutes. Wage war, build civilizations with this set in ancient times, build wonders like the Hanging Gardens, Machu Pichu,
Great Pyramids, and Stonehenge. This is such a fun way to learn about ancient history.

Middle Ages World History Board Games

The Middle Ages refers to that time in European history that started with the collapse of Roman civilization in the 5th century CE to the Renaissance. It is full of conquerors, explorers, scholars, brave knights and Vikings.

Carcassonne Board Game

This strategy game lets you develop your medieval city and can be played with as few as 2 players and up to 5, or more with expansion packs! If you are into the Middle Ages this is your game.

Battle Line: Medieval

If you want a Medieval card game with quick play this is one to grab. Win battlefields with your strong card formations, recommended for 14 and up. You can also get this in other versions as well-
WWII or Ancient Greek.

Raiders of The North Sea

Do you wish to set sail with the adventurous Vikings? This game takes a little over an hour on average and puts you right in the action assembling a crew, battling, and on journeys.

(Dungeons & Dragons Intro Adventure Set)

While it is a fantasy game, Dungeons & Dragons develops strategy, risk assessment, communication, math, science, history, culture, ethics, critical reading, and introduces lots of Medieval vocabulary.

CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game

Defend against attack and build up the land of Catan of the Middle Ages in this expansion pack with knights, barbarians, merchants, and more. You will need the base Catan to play this version as it is an add on.

Modern Age World History Board Games

Explore card and strategy games that take place from the end of the Middle Ages to the middle of the 20th Century. Test your knowledge on things like the Industrial Revolution, Cold War, and the Wright Brothers first flight.

CHRONOLOGY - The Game Where You Make History

This timeline board game has you racing to be the first to place 10 timeline cards in the correct order. Do you know if the first bikini was introduced before the first man landed on the moon? This is a great family game for learning and reinforcing what you know about Modern History.

Anno 1800 - | A Civilization Game

Explore and build a city during the Industrial Revolution in the old world. Plot trade routes and gather resources to grow. This game is great for teaching about exploration and trade routes, the importance of gathering resources, and civilization growth and development

Axis & Allies Pacific 1940 Second Edition WWII Strategy Board Game

This strategy game is a great way to learn about the cold war playing as either President John F. Kennedy or the USSR Premier Nikita Khrushchev with the goal to avoid nuclear war.

World History Board Games Covering Multiple Time Periods

These games cover ancient to modern history for those that want a broader scope of time. Test your knowledge of everything from Ancient Egypt to Adolph Hitler and see who will hold the title of Hero of History.

games

What is Geography

Hands-on Geography

Fun History Games

Scrambles States of America

Teaching Medieval History

Hands-on Middle Ages Activities

Monopoly Medieval Themed Board Rules

Fun History Games

How to Make A Monopoly Game to Medieval Game

Grab the Free Printable Cards and Stickers

Benefits of Game Playing

Fun Ancient Egypt Resources

More Fun History Games Resources

How to Make a Mummification Process Game

How to Get the Free Printable Rules

Games of the Past Ancient Mesopotamia

Facts about Ancient Mesopotamia

Other Fun History Games Resources

DIY Backgammon Game

Cool History Games

More Fun History Games

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